A recent study from the Alan Turing Institute shows that a significant number of UK women are deterred from engaging in online political discussions due to fears of harassment and threats, highlighting a pressing issue of gender inequality in digital spaces.
A new study conducted by the Alan Turing Institute has revealed that three-quarters of women in the UK feel uneasy about expressing their political opinions online, attributing their discomfort to fears of threats and harassment. Highlighted within the research, which surveyed 2,000 adults, is the significant concern among women regarding being targeted by misogyny, trolling, and other forms of harmful online behaviour.
The study presents a stark picture of gender inequality in the digital realm, showing that while men and women encounter harmful content online at similar rates, women are more likely to be the victims of abusive content. In particular, it was found that women are almost twice as likely to be negatively impacted by online experiences compared to men. This disproportionately hostile environment has raised concerns about the safety and inclusivity of online political discourse, especially in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, a period expected to see substantial online engagement.
Dr. Florence Enock, a senior research associate at the Institute, stressed the importance of fostering safe online and offline spaces for women to enable their full participation in political discussions. Dr. Jonathan Bright, the head of online safety at the Alan Turing Institute, underscored the need to recognize the psychological impact of online harm on different genders. Through understanding these impacts, targeted interventions and support can be developed to ensure a more equitable and safer online environment for all individuals, thus encouraging greater inclusivity and gender equality in public discourse. The research, brought to light during AIUK, a prominent data science and AI event, calls for concerted efforts to address and mitigate online gender inequality.
